An Open Letter to Janelle Monae: TFA’s Cultural Appropriation

waltercrunkite

Dear Ms. Janelle Monae,

First and foremost thank you for bringing a black feminist perspective into music that moves my soul.  HellYouTalmBout continues to be a source of hope, righteous indignation, and monument to the lives of so many snuffed out, the song is at once too long and yet not nearly exhaustive.  Your work at Wonderland and artistic gifts are a source of pride and inspiration, which is why I was so shocked to learn you will be performing at the 25th Anniversary of Teach For America.

Your Lyrics in Many Moons:

We’re dancing free but we’re stuck here underground
And everybody trying to figure they way out
Hey Hey Hey, all we ever wanted to say
Was chased erased and then thrown away
And day to day we live in a daze

Is a beautiful metaphor for the current (and temporary) trend toward privatization…

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